Xmas mix 2011

Yes, it's that time of year again. A spotify playlist can be found here. So here's the run down of this years mix cd...

1.wintersleep – drunk on aluminium

I first discovered Wintersleep through the black cab sessions website. Their song "weighty ghost" just got stuck in my head and refused to budge. I starred the track on spotify, but didn't really listen much further until October, when I listened to the album obsessively for a week. And so should you...

2.efterklang - alike

I'd heard of Efterklang, but never heard any of their music until I went to go and see a showing of their film with Vincent Moon, An Island, at the Cube early in the year. To be honest, I mostly went because most of my friends were going, and it was free. I was completely captivated by the film and the music in it and highly recommend checking it out - a lovely mix of beautiful music in significant places. This song is one of my favourite performances from the film.

3.okkervil river - westfall

I missed Okkervil River at End of the Road, but my friend Chris recommended I checked them out as they were playing in Bristol. The first time I heard the first few bars of this song I knew I'd like them. I'm still working my way through their back catalogue, but they were awesome live - great performance, a really long set and generally really lovely music.

4.first aid kit – i met up with a king

Oh First Aid Kit, how I love thee. I can't remember how I discovered them, but I cannot stop listening to them. Two sisters with beautiful interweaving haunting vocals and songs that make me want to go and lie in a forest and look at the stars. And you should definitely check out their version of Tiger Mountain Peasant Song by Fleet Foxes (their youtube cover is what made them famous).

5.sweet baboo – how i’d live my life

This discovery was stolen from my friend Jess's facebook. She posted the video to this song (see below) on her facebook wall, and it was so full of summer that I couldn't help but listen to it again and again. And the further away from summer we get, the more I love it...

6.blind pilot – 3 rounds and a sound

I saw these guys supporting the lovely Decemberists earlier this year. Often support acts can be a bit disappointing, but these guys were amazing, and I'd have paid to go and see them alone. I mean, what's not to like about a band that has a vibraphone as an instrument. Lovely album that's been one of my most played this year.

7.she keeps bees – ribbon

I haven't listened to much she keeps bees stuff in general, but I CANNOT STOP LISTENING TO THIS SONG. Such a strong and distinctive voice. Lovely. I don't know what else to say, other that I love it.

8.soulsavers - revival

My friend Gavin shared this on facebook. Cue obsessive listening for a week. I love the gospel tones with Mark Lanegan's vocals cutting through... Beautiful.

9.sia – breathe me

I got introduced to this song when my friend Liam used it as the backing track for the video he made of my origami bombing. So for me it is a beautiful reminder of a project and will forever remind me of that. Just those beginning few bars are enough to make me smile...

10.this is the kit – birchwood beaker

Last year a few of my friends made me mix cds in return for the ones I gave out. My friend Paula put this song on hers and I love it. I saw This Is the Kit last year at a gig that my friend Joe put on, but I didn't get round to listening to any of the albums until I heard this song again on Paula's cd. It just reminds me of snow and wintery walks and cold fingers...

11.james vincent mcmorrow – hear the noise that moves so soft and low

I spent a lot of time at Green Man festival sorting out and running the treasure hunt that we put on. On the Friday evening when my friend James arrived, I decided it was time I heard some music, and so we went on a bit of a wander to see what was on. We stopped at the big top and heard this guy play. We were both so taken with the music that we stayed for the rest of the gig.

12.dan mangan - robots

Oh Dan Mangan. *Sigh*. I love Dan Mangan. Yes, it's true. And it's not just that he's Canadian and bearded. He also happens to make rather lovely music too. I managed to see him at Green Man festival this year, and this song was probably my festival highlight. When it got to the "robots need love too" refrain, he jumped into the audience, and walked through, playing unplugged and getting everyone to sing. And everyone did. Awesome. Kudos to Chris H for the intro..

13.curtis eller – taking up serpents again

My friend Dan posted about Curtis Eller earlier in the year, but I couldn't go to the gig as I was telling a story at an event that night. Fortunately he decided to grace Bristol with his presence again, and so I got a second chance. Definitely one of my favourite gigs of the year, featuring high kicks and yodelling. He also performed most of the gig sat on the bar in the middle of the venue as he claimed he couldn't see the audience at the back...

14.josh ritter – girl in the war

I genuinely don't know who recommended Josh Ritter to me. So whoever it was, thankyou - I found a note on my phone last month telling me to listen to him, but I can't remember when Iwrote it. But I listened to him, and liked his music a lot, so here he is.

15.detektivbyran – e18

My friend Patrick was in Bristol for a training course and played me some Detektivbyran, and I was instantly hooked. I have no idea how to describe it to people, but I love it. I was pretty gutted when I found out they're no longer together and that I therefore won't get to see them live. This album also provided much road trip entertainment for a couple of friends on their honeymoon, and so will also always remind me of them...

16.delaney davidson – i slept late

My friend Scruff puts on gigs at the Cube, and she'd arranged for Delaney Davidson to come and play, as she'd seem him in New Zealand and raved about him. I went along, camera in tow, and was blown away. With just a guitar and a loop pedal, he crafted some amazing songs. And he organised the first waltz competition that I've ever seen at a gig....

17.herman dune – my home is nowhere without you

Another one that I discovered through my friend Dan, who posted this video on facebook. I mean, what's not to love about a furry blue thing... I managed to catch them at the Thekla earlier in the year, and then saw part of their set again at End of the Road too...

18.lulu & the lampshades - cups

This is probably my most listened to song this year. It gets stuck in my head and I sing it for weeks. My friend Paula posted it on my facebook wall, and I loved the concept and the video. Watch and love...

19.shout out louds – very loud

Another one where I'm not quite sure how I discovered it. It might have been my friend Chris H, but I'm not sure.. Either way I love it and it makes me want to get up and dance...

20.los campesinos! – you! me! dancing!

Now this definitely was an introduction via Chris H. And it's awesome. The clue is in the title, but it will make you want to dance. With an exclamation mark. And it's an excellent song for a road trip, driving through windy roads in the sunshine...

Steph's xmas mix 2010

One of my favourite things about making an annual mix cd, is looking through and working out where I found out about all the songs. Previous years can be found here and here. You can find a spotify copy of the mix here (there’s a few missing cos they’re not on spotify)

Matt & Kim – Lessons Learned

Bizarrely this band were introduced to me by ending up on a friend’s “Best of 2009” list. I went to visit my friend John in Bath, and he played me a couple of their songs (and showed me the awesome video. Toe tapping, catchy and fun.

The Black Keys – Everlasting Light

A bit of an “I’m not sure” about how I found this one. I’m pretty sure that someone put The Black Keys on at a party I was at. But I didn’t remember much about it. Bored one day, I stuck in into Spotify, and got hooked, especially to this song.

The Tallest Man On Earth – The Gardner

This was an introduction from my friend Jo that led to obsessive listening of his first album, which was soon joined by obsessive listening of his second. I saw half of his set at Green Man (clashing with another band) and was so blown away that I travelled to London to see him again (well worth the trip). I *love* his voice, although it turns out that he’s actually pretty short...

The Avett Brothers – Paranoia in B-Flat Major

I discovered The Avett Brothers from an interview with one of the guys from Mumford and Sons. The first album I discovered was The Second Gleam, which is a beautiful and mellow album. Then my friend Jon suggested I listened to Emotionalism, which is more upbeat, but equally great. I love this song – makes me smile every time I listen to it.

Fanfarlo – The Walls Are Coming Down

Another one that I have no idea how I discovered it. If you’re responsible, then thanks, and give yourself a pat on the back from me! This song is very me – I mean, it’s got a banjo in it! Lovely and catchy.

Peggy Sue – Yo Mama

I discovered Peggy Sue through the Laura Marling/Mumford and Sons/Johnny Flynn London group of artists. This is the first one of their songs I heard (they had an EP before releasing their album this year), and remains my favourite.

Matthew and the Atlas – I Will Remain

I knew the name, but I’d never heard the music til I caught them supporting Mumford and Sons in October. Instantly grabbed by his soulful and unusual voice I bought the EP that was on sale that evening. Which was followed the next day by their first EP. It’s very predictably my kind of music – folky with a banjo and accordion – but they do it so well.

Cherbourg – Never Love Again

Another one I read about in the Mumford and Sons interview. In typical style, I discovered them after they’d split up, but nevermind. Probably never would have really listened to them without Spotify, but now they’re on my regular listening list...

Bowerbirds – House of Diamonds

The third (and final) discovery from the Mumford and Sons interview. Again, another great band and awesome song. Not much else to say really.

Boy and Bear – Mexican Mavis

I saw Boy and Bear supporting Laura Marling earlier this year. It’s not often that I see a support act that I really like, but these guys were great. They’ve just released an EP, but at the time I made a mix, it wasn’t yet released and this was the only song I could get hold of. Lovely though.

Bright Eyes – First Day of My Life

I’ve had Bright Eyes on my mp3 player for a few years. I’m not sure who first told me to give him a listen, but I’d not got round to listening to any of his music until this year. A bit overwhelmed by the number of albums that he made, I simply picked one and listened to it. And it was great – especially this song.

JayMay – Gray or Blue

A couple of my friends run a mix cd swapping night every couple of months (you should go, it’s great). At one of these, my friend Shonette gave me an extra copy of a cd she had, made from sessions from Daytrotter. One artist stood out to me, and this is her. Whenever I listen to her album, this is the song that gets under my skin.

Angus & Julia Stone – Just A Boy

This was an introduction from my friend Jonathon at CAT. But he told me about them about 8 months ago and I only got round to listening to them recently. Whoops. But they were worth the wait. Their songs are a mixture of both of their vocals, and some lovely harmonies. Gentle but beautiful.

Joanna Newsom – ‘81

I was convinced I hated Joanna Newsom. I tried several times to get into her music but failed. And then I went to Green Man festival, where she was playing, and didn’t go and see her. This caused outcry amongst many of my friends, leading to a discussion with my friends Mima and Mike one evening. This discussion ended with Mike insisting that I go home, go on youtube and watch her performing ’81 on Jools Holland. I did, and something happened. I no longer hated Joanna Newsom. Persevering with the listening, something even stranger happened. I actually started to quite like her music. And then like turned to really like. So here she is. This isn’t my favourite song of hers, but it’s the one that started it all.

Baba Yaga’s Consort- The Knight

I first saw this Bristol based band at Folk Tales, and they blew me away – three female vocalists (and a bassist) with weaving interlinking vocals. I’ve seen them a few times since, and they’re always great. They’ve just released an EP and it’s lovely.

Blue Roses – I Am Leaving

No idea where this one came from. Someone possibly told me about them at some point. So thank you whoever you area. Lovely and slightly ethereal vocals, this is definitely the stand out song from the album.

Dry The River – Shaker Hymns

These guys were supporting Johnny Flynn on the Thekla earlier this year. I’d been up at CAT for two weeks back to back, and was completely knackered. The prospect of going straight to a gig and standing up for 3 hours didn’t really appeal. But Dry The River came on and I just got really into it – the lead singer has a really unusual voice, but they’re really great live. Not to mention being a nice bunch – I went to buy a cd afterwards, and was persuaded to buy this one because they had to sit in a pond to take the photo for the front cover.

Erland And The Carnival – Trouble In Mind

A discovery from The Black Cab Sessions, which is one of my favourite websites. Basically they bundle a band into the back of a random black cab and film them singing a song. Simple but awesome. These guys were particularly awesome, especially since they managed to cram so many band members into the cab...

The Correspondents – I Wanna Be Like You

Friday night at Green Man. Mud was abundant, wellies were firmly attached to my feet. I’d taken shelter in Chai Wallah. And then The Correspondents came on. For the next hour, I danced like a crazy fool with a couple of friends and marvelled at the band that had burst into my musical existence. They’re an unusual pair. Mr Chuckles is a quiet looking guy with a beard. Mr Bruce is the opposite – extravagantly dressed in lycra, possibly with a ruff or two attached. And while Mr Chuckles stands quietly by his decks, Mr Bruce dances around the stage (possibly with a treadmill for added fun) with incredible bottomless energy. This song made me instantly love them – but for the full effect you really need to see them live.

Caravan Palace – Dragons

I don’t even know the name of the person who told me about Caravan Palace. I was talking to a friend of a friend’s girlfriend at a house party, and we were discussing gigs. I told her I’d just discovered the Correspondents, to which she replied that a few months ago, someone had told her to listen to the Correspondents and Caravan Palace, but she hadn’t got round to it yet. Dutifully I wrote it in my phone, and stumbled across the note a few days later.

2010 xmas mix cd post...

It's on its way. I promise...

A song for the moment...

I've been listening to this song slightly obsessively for the last day or so. I don't know why, but it's just really fitted my mood over the last 24 hours or so...

New year, new things....

Well, I successfully made it to the end of my 6 months without buying new clothes. It wasn't as hard as I'd expected, and quite liberating to be honest. I realised that I was only buying things because I felt like I needed them. Turns out I didn't. I made some great charity shop purchases too(I have to admit that my "taking one item back to the charity shop for each one I purchased" was less successful though).

In celebration, I went shopping on Saturday. Gah. Overwhelming. So much choice. I desperately needed some new jeans (mine were getting embarassingly full of holes...), but it was a bit of a "keep my head down and just get on with it" situation. I think I'm going to unofficially keep the no buying clothes thing going on for a while - the exceptions are things like black trousers and jeans, which I'll replace when they fall apart/no longer fit.

And onto new things.

I've started doing a bit of writing for a website called The Love of It, which is a directory of good wholesome fun. I've got a few things up there at the moment (a "how to" guide for guerilla gardening and homemade hobnobs, and an article on why I love nightwalking). I'm also now officially Events Editor, so I'm in charge of hunting out fun events and writing little spiels for them all. Brilliant! I'm especially loving the Project 2010, a series of 52 challenges over the course of 2010.

On that note, I came up with a challenge for myself (which in turn has now become part of Project 2010) - take a photo every day throughout 2010. I set up a facebook group for it which is growing by the day, with loads of different people participating. The idea is that each photo represents a place/memory/moment, and over the course of the year they build up a bigger picture. Stay tuned to see if I keep up the motivation!

Also on the agenda is some writing for Ecojam (working on my first article at the moment), and of course, International Homemade HobNob Day - photos of the day and activities to follow...

So 2010 looks to be off to a pretty damn awesome start!

xmas mix 2009 - the breakdown...

I woke up stupidly early this morning and couldn't get back to sleep, so decided to blog a breakdown of my 2009 mix cd, giving a bit of background as to why I picked each song... There's a playlist on spotify here (which is missing a couple of tracks but has most of them...)

1. Florence & the Machine - Dog days are over

My friend Elaine and I swap music recommendations regularly - she's got good taste so when she recommends a band to me, I know they're probably worth checking out. I'd heard of Florence + the Machine before, and liked what I'd heard, but not enough to get hold of the album. But following Elaine raving about her, I listened to the album and found myself loving it - especially this song which is the first track on the album.

2. Patrick Wolf - Overture

This was a random one I picked up from my friend Jen. I was feeling in the need for some new music, and she posted a facebook status referencing Patrick Wolf and Blood Red Shoes. It was when I'd first got Spotify, and I remember listening to "The Magic Position" on repeat all afternoon. I saw him at Dot to Dot festival at May where he was suitably glittery and awesome.

3. Beirut - Scenic World

I can't remember where I first heard Beirut. I quite liked them, but something didn't quite click. Then one day I was sitting playing board games in my local pub and this album (The Gulag Orkestar) came on and I was filled with love for it (Much the same as my Broken Social Scene conversion last year). Makes regular appearances in my daily listening now...

4. The Miserable Rich - Pisshead

I got a text from a friend I hadn't seen in a while telling me that there was a gig on at The Croft and did I want to go. The headliners weren't a band I was particularly enthused about, but I thought it'd be a good chance to catch up so I said yes. The first band on were not bad, and then The Miserable Rich came on. They were great. Really great. The headliners were predictably underwhelming, but it was worth it to see these guys. And then they gave me a free cd at the end of the night. Bonus.

5. Mumford and Sons - The cave

I'm sure anyone who reads this will know all about my love of Mumford and Sons. Their folk rock with a hint of bluegrass is top of my favourite music at the moment. Toe tapping, catchy and full of soul. I've seen them twice this year and loved them both times - they put on a great show, come across as genuinely nice guys, and are clearly passionate about their music. "Sigh No More" is without a doubt my album of the year...

6. Bon Iver - Skinny Love

When my friend Piet first moved to America, we tried to set up an Anglo American mix cd exchange (to match the one running here), which sadly never got going. However, on the facebook page, his friend Jon recommended a bunch of bands. One of his recommendations was Bon Iver. I got hold of the album and gave it a listen. I liked it. However, during the snow last year, my mp3 player had died and the only way I could listen to music was via my phone, and "For Emma, Forever Ago" was one of the albums I had on it. I remember the precise moment I fell in love with this album - I was walking along the edge of the downs, towards Whiteladies Road. Heartbreakingly beautiful...

7. City and Colour - The girl

My discovery of City and Colour is also thanks to the aforementioned Jon. "Bring Me Your Love" is an album that everyone should listen to. Brilliant. It's an album I keep going back to again and again and and I often find myself listening to this track on repeat.

8. The National - Slow show

I first heard The National courtesy of an old housemate a few years ago. I remember thinking "Ah yes, they're not bad". I've had an album of theirs on my mp3 player ever since, without listening to it much. And then during my recent spate of walking around Bristol at night doing some writing and taking photos, I put on "Boxer" and listened to it on repeat for 2 1/2 hours. And now I can't stop listening to it.

9. Laura Marling - Ghosts

I started listening to Laura Marling because I kept seeing articles about Mumford and Sons that mentioned her. And I haven't stopped listening to her since. Astoundingly talented for her age (she wrote "Alas I cannot swim" when she was 16 or 17), her music stands out amongst the other female singer songwriters around at the moment. I can't stop listening to this song and never seem to get sick of it... Am mostly very excited about seeing her in April!

10. Jay Jay Pistolet - Happy birthday you

Again, discovered via the Mumford and Sons/Laura Marling connection, and cemented by seeing his Black Cab Session, it's more of the modern folky stuff that I love at the moment. As far as I know he only has a four track EP at the moment, but it's definately worth checking out.

11. Johnny Flynn - Eyeless in Holloway

Woo Johnny! Yet another of the Mumford and Sons/Laura Marling group of musicians, "A Larum" is one of my favourite albums I've discovered this year. Catchy, distinctive and a bit different. I saw him at The Cube this year and was captivated by his incredible guitar playing. Beautiful.

12. Frightened Rabbit - Old old fashioned

I saw Frightened Rabbit supporting Death Cab for Cutie last year and enjoyed the set, but it wasn't until early this year that I got hold of "The Midnight Organ Fight". I love it when you can hear an accent in someone's singing voice, and you can definately hear the Scottish twang with these guys. Toe tapping fun.

13. PJ & Gaby - Time well spent

Ah this one is a good story. I went to Cafe Kino with one of my friends for a cup of tea and a spot of backgammon. Turns out they had a gig on (in true Kino style, it was about 25 people crammed into the teeny back room), and we were sat on our own in the other downstairs room. As we were playing backgammon, I kept getting distracted by the music playing in the other room. At the end of the gig, I went into the other room. Suddenly being faced by a whole load of people and having no idea who the musicians were, I had to ask who was in the band (a duo from London). Once I'd identified, I proceeded to buy two cds from these guys. Random but awesome.

14. Wild Beasts - All the kings men

This band ruined my playlist for this year. I had it all sorted and ready to go, and then a few days later in the pub, my friend Jonny recommended these guys to me. So I dutifully went home and listened, sighed and then tried to work out who I'd have to bump off the cd to make room for them (sorry Slow Club). At first I wasn't sure about the guys voice, but it's really grown on me...

15. Coconut Records - West coast

Another recommendation by Jon, this song stands out on an album that itself is pretty darn good ("Nighttiming"). Coconut Records is the band of actor Jason Schwartzman, proving he has many talents by actually being pretty good. Was destined to make it onto this mix from the first time I heard it.

16. Emmy the Great - Dylan

No idea where I discovered Emmy the Great, so thankyou if you recommended her to me. I remember watching her Black Cab Session several times and loving it, before getting the album. She writes some truly suprising lyrics - a song that at first listen sounds lovely and pretty may actually turn out to be about something really dark... Sadly I was too ill to make it to her gig in Bristol this year, but hopefully I'll catch her soon. Definately give "First Love" a listen, and then listen to it again, carefully.

17. Spoon - I summon you

An introduction from my friend Dave, via Black Cab Sessions. A group of us were sat at my friend Geoff's flat, infront of his huge tv screen, playing about on his computer (who needs a monitor when you have a forty something inch tv). I shared the joy of Black Cab Sessions with everyone and we started watching some sessions. Browsing through the list of artists, Dave suggested Spoon. And that was it. "Gimme Fiction" became a regular listen, but this song still remains my favourite...

18. Brendan Benson - What I'm looking for

Again, a mystery as to where this one originated from. I just started listening to him one day. Slightly poppy rock, he does it really well. Not my favourite music, but I just really enjoy it.

19. John Butler Trio - Better than

On a car journey back from a youth group weekend away, my friend Mike and I discovered a common taste in music. This led to a bunch of recommendations being made either way, and one of his was the John Butler Trio. "Grand National" is a great album, with this song being my favourite - I love the rhythm of it and it always puts a smile on my face.

20. Dispatch - The general

Another of Mike's recommendations. A band with a lot to say, but sadly only a few albums to their name (although all three members now have other projects). A reggae/ska/funk/rock fusion, the music is matched by well written and often thought provoking songs. "Bang Bang" is probably my favourite album so give it a listen.

21. The XX - Islands

Recommended by one of the guys on my Masters, I fell in love with The XX on first listen. Their self titled debut is a wonderful album, and up there in my top 5 of this year. I'm a sucker for bands with male and female vocals and these guys do it really well.

The 8 best films of 2009 (in no particular order), according to Steph...

Milk

Based on the true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in America, this film belongs to Sean Penn. He is fantastic as Harvey, from his quiet beginnings, through activism, election and ultimate death. Surrounded by a solid supporting cast, Sean Penn draws you in to the story, breaking your heart even though you know what’s coming. It’s also horrifying to discover that issues that he was battling at the time are still related to those being fought today (Proposition 8 for example). Not exactly a light film, but one that is definitely worth seeing.

Watchmen

I loved it. I didn’t mind that the ending was changed. The rest of it was so astoundingly true to the novel, and the finale retained the feel of the original, whilst removing the oddness that might cause the mainstream audience to struggle. A dark and complex tale of superheroes like no other, set in an alternate reality where nuclear holocaust is imminent. It benefits from almost perfect casting, stunning visuals and the best opening titles I’ve ever seen. My only quibble was the added violence – what was suggested in the novel was shown in the film, bordering on gratuity in my opinion. See it if you’ve read the book, see it if you haven’t (but read the book after).

Synecdoche, New York

Allowing Charlie Kaufman to direct a film as well as write it was always going to be risky (given the wonderful but confusing back catalogue of films such as Eternal Sunshine, Adaptation and Being John Malkovich). He pulls it off though, producing a film that is puzzling, beautiful, at times incomprehensible, but genuinely moving. Philip Seymour Hoffman carries the film, his character the centrepiece to a deconstruction of life, love and death, told through a man putting on a theatre show. A remarkable achievement and one I look forward to rewatching and unravelling. See it if you like to be beautifully confused.

In The Loop

I have to confess to never having seen The Thick of It before seeing this film (a fact I have since rectified). I wasn’t sure what to expect, but In The Loop exceeded it all. A political satire that places a hapless politician in the middle of a government power struggle. Funny, sharp, frightening accurate in parts, and full of some of the most innovative swearing I’ve ever come across. It’ll make you laugh, cringe, and probably teach you a thing or two about politics along the way.

Moon

It’s hard to say much without giving things away, and this is one of those films that the less you know, the better. It focuses on Sam Rockwell’s character, serving out his last few days of a three year posting aboard an isolated moon base. Beautifully paced, the story just flows effortlessly. Science Fiction at its finest, it’s stunning, riveting, puzzling and surprising. This was the completely unexpected find of the year for me.

500 days of Summer

The tagline sums it up “Boy falls in love, girl doesn’t”. A quirky and charming film about a relationship, this film is elevated by the acting (Joseph Gordon Levitt and Zooey Deschanel), some witty writing and great music. Gordon Levitt nails the everyman role, and Deschanel is all wide eyed and unpredictable. Fitting into the same indie rom com genre of Garden State, it steers clear of the obvious cheesiness. (until the last minute of the film, but I can ignore that). Funny, endearing and you’ll never look at ikea the same again…

The Brothers Bloom

The follow up from the director of Brick, Rian Johnson again shows his flair for revitalising forgotten genres in a new way. This tells the story of two con artist brothers (Mark Ruffalo and Adrian Brody) and their latest mark, a reclusive millionaire (Rachel Weisz). Oh, and not forgetting their weapons specialist, Bang Bang. Great casting, and a storyline so full of twists and turns you don’t know where it’s going next. The beauty lies in the details – there’s as much to watch in the background as there is at the front (the camel!). A funny crime caper with a heart…

Where the Wild Things Are

I waited until I’d seen this before I wrote this list because I was convinced I would love it. And love it I did. A magical tale of Max, a young boy who runs away from home and retreats into his imagination - a world habituated by strange creatures who crown him as their king. This is one of those films where things really fit together – the magical story, beautiful visuals and the music. Oh the music. Karen O weaves a wonderful soundtrack that carries Max on the ups and downs his journey and draws you deep into its world. Beautiful, captivating and one I’ll definitely see again. And again.

Honerable mentions must also go to An Education and The Hurt Locker, both of which were good, but not quite good enough...